Pushing the boundaries

The school’s architecture is earthy and rustic. A children’s swing area amid bamboo trees is called vanar vatika. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed, with doors, chairs and tables matching the height of children.

One could be forgiven for thinking that it is a special day on entering Shikshantar School, as children are seen playing in colourful clothes. Students of this Gurgaon school don’t wear uniforms. One of the newest schools in the city, it tries to steer clear of accepted notions of education. So it is not hard to guess why it tops the ‘innovative teaching’ parameter.

The school’s architecture is earthy and rustic. A children’s swing area amid bamboo trees is called vanar vatika. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed, with doors, chairs and tables matching the height of children. Interesting patterns based on themes such as forest or sea-life add to the colourful atmosphere and make learning fun. “It is how education should be, with no set patterns or rules,” said Shikshantar chairperson Minoti Bahri. “Let the children discover themselves the way they want to.”

2. Shikshantar SchoolLocation: South City I Board: ICSE Website:www.shikshantarschool.comPhone: 0124-4889100Nursery cost: R66,000 per annumAverage number of students in a section: Class KG to 5 — 24; Class 6 to 10 — 15Total number of students: 537Total number of fulltime teachers: 73